Program To Assist Vets Expanded

HARTFORD — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy earlier this month announced that a pilot program connecting Waterbury-area veterans, military service members and their families with state employment and social services will be expanded to greater Bridgeport in December.

In January of this year the state’s Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Labor (DOL) launched the program, Supporting Military Members/Veterans and Their Families in Accessing Community Services, to improve outreach and access to job-related services, health coverage, food assistance and other support. “As part of our efforts to serve military families and veterans, I asked our labor and social services commissioners to ensure that all possible steps are being taken in their areas of responsibility,” said Malloy. “We are extremely pleased with the progress made with a pilot program in Waterbury, and I have authorized its expansion to the Bridgeport area.”

The Waterbury-area pilot program successfully increased the number of veterans and military service members participating in DOL’s employment services and DSS’s medical, food and financial assistance benefits.

“In Connecticut and across the country, there are service members and veterans who are finding it difficult to support their families or themselves,” said Malloy. “We need to do everything possible to increase their opportunities in the job market and to make sure they are aware of all the services they are entitled to. It’s our job to step up for these men and women, as they have stepped up for us.”